House passes bow hunting on Sundays on private property

State Rep. Linda M. Gentile speaks on the House floor. / Contributed photo

Legislation (HB 5412) that would allow deer hunting on private property on Sundays was approved this week by the House of Representatives.

The bill permits bow and arrow hunting on Sundays in accordance with Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) guidelines. 
The DEEP Commissioner could authorize landowners to engage in deer management programs on private property with landowner permission.  The bill now heads to the state Senate for consideration. 

     “This bill allows for the humane culling of the deer population in Connecticut,” said State Rep. Linda M. Gentile, D-Ansonia, House Chair of the Environment Committee. 

      “Deer cause significant damage to property and agriculture and bring with them the danger of Lyme disease.”

     Potential deer hunters would need to meet certain conditions:

·       Hunting cannot take place within 40 yards of a blazed hiking trail.

·       Hunters would need written consent of the private property owner

·       Hunters would need a DEEP bow and arrow permit

If enacted, the bill would take effect Oct. 1, 2013.

This post is taken from a press release from Gentile's office.